Enjoying sobriety is about living life to the very fullest without the need for drugs and alcohol. Unfortunately, drug addicts and alcoholics become so used to self-medicating that they forget what it means to enjoy things without being under the influence. As a result, many no longer remember how to enjoy life sober.
Working a program of recovery rooted in spiritual principles allows drug addicts and alcoholics to not only be rid of the constant need to self-medicate, but to live free – truly free, and happy without the burden of an unmanageable life.
But many people who get sober have the fear that they will be unable to enjoy life without substances. It’s a matter of practice, as it is with anything new. You have to work at it to remember how to be happy while sober.
Change is never easy, and the difference between living sober and living in active addiction is so drastic that many people become overwhelmed with the idea that living a happy life is possible without the need for substances.
So how do you enjoy life sober, when you are so accustomed to living perpetually intoxicated?
How To Be Sober and Happy
It takes a certain amount of re-learning what it means to have fun. During active addiction we were content to stare at the walls as long as we were sufficiently intoxicated, but staring at the walls usually doesn’t cut it when you’re sober.
You have to rediscover things like what activities make you happy. You have to find your passions. In sobriety you have the opportunity to experience the kind of freedom that you had come to forget in your addiction, and with that freedom comes an overwhelming amount of options.
You see, life is so limited when under the influence. Awareness is destroyed by being intoxicated, so with sobriety comes intense awareness of everything that could potentially have an effect on you.
Options for How to Enjoy Sober Life
Understanding that being sober can be challenging is the first step in the process. The fact that there are ups and downs in the process can make some people declare that they hate being sober. That’s when you should have a few options for making yourself feel better so you can get back to enjoying sobriety.
Self-Care
Taking care of yourself is essential in recovery. It might not seem fun and can sometimes be challenging, but you can make it exciting. Whether you need to go to a doctor’s appointment, organize your house, or get your car’s oil changed, make sure you get these things done. When you have fewer tasks in front of you, it can make life more peaceful and joyous.
Time in Nature
From slow activities like picnics and short hikes to massive adventures like skiing and kayaking, spending time in nature can help you enjoy time sober. Being in an open space with fresh air and sunlight can make you feel more present in your body. It’s a great way to spend time when it feels like the walls are closing in on you.
Spending Time with Loved Ones
Talking and enjoying time with family members and friends is a great way to soothe the soul. Now is the perfect time to make up for moments when we might have been stuck in addiction and not spending time with those we care about. Make sure you connect with the people you love and make memories that last a lifetime.
Engage in Hobbies
What sort of things interest you? Maybe you like sports or reading. Perhaps you want to learn photography, take up pottery, or play an instrument. All of these are great ideas for how to enjoy a sober life. Now that you have more free time in life, make the most of it. There’s no longer anything to stop you from taking on the world.
Learning to Live Sober Without Becoming Overwhelmed
Apathy shrinks away as the substances leave your body, and a renewed interest in countless subjects creates a sometimes daunting feeling of infinite possibilities. The world becomes a bigger place, with more to explore, and with sobriety comes the opportunity to experience everything that life has to offer.
Humans in general can be overwhelmed by choices, and possibilities, but enjoying life as a sober person does not mean that you have to spread yourself thin by participating full throttle in a non-stop evolving experience.
How to Enjoy Sobriety Through Gratitude
It’s a matter of perspective. Learn to cherish the small moments in life; the moments that you took for granted in your addiction. A sunset, the grass between your toes, the scent of cherry blossoms, and the sound of a thunderstorm, are examples of the sensory gifts that are bestowed upon us by the universe.
If you learn to find value even in the smallest of experiences, then you will find that happiness is determined not by the nature of the experience, but by the lens of your perspective. Then life becomes less overwhelming and more organic, and you will find that you enjoy things without even realizing it.
Happiness is directly related to gratitude, and with the practice of being grateful for life’s gifts comes the ability to learn and be happy with any given situation. Of course, enjoying sobriety isn’t as simple as following a list of steps, but it is possible.
Starting the Journey to an Exciting Sober Life
Sobriety gives you the chance to live a full life that isn’t focused on substances. If you’re ready to move into sobriety and experience the world around you, Any Length is here to help. Unlike traditional addiction treatment centers, we believe the process starts with healing a person as a whole, including the spirit, body, and mind.
When you’re ready to seek help for your substance or alcohol abuse, we’re here to help. You can reach out to us to get started at (512) 746-7036.
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